Safety Fair returns for a second year

Staff report

STRUTHERS

Struthers City School District will sponsor its second-annual safety fair from 6 to 8 p.m. next Monday at the high school, 111 Euclid Ave.

The fair will provide families with opportunities to learn about safety in a fun, interactive environment. Last year, more than 400 people attended, and coordinator Yvonne Wilson, who also is the school’s Juvenile Diversion Officer, expects that number to grow.

“We had a tremendous turnout the first time around, even though it was in November,” Wilson said. “There were a lot of activities and giveaways, and people really enjoyed it. We want to build on that success, so we are adding even more this year.”

The free family event is open to the public. It includes complimentary food, raffles and giveaways with dozens of safety prizes/gift cards provided by local businesses and community members.

“We will be giving away everything from smoke detectors and gunlocks to furniture wall mounts,” Wilson said. “We will even have Senior Watch there for people who live alone and need assistance. There will be something for everybody, no matter their age.”

On March 18, 2007, Sarah Bundy, 4, the granddaughter of high-school teacher Mary Bundy and police chief Pat Bundy, died after a dresser fell on her. Struthers now strives to raise safety awareness to ensure that preventable tragedies are averted.

Schools Superintendent Joe Nohra believes that changing the safety habits for even one family will make the safety fair a huge success.

“We’re very proactive in programs outside of the school day, so we thought a safety fair was something that was excellent for the school district,” Nohra explained. “We take an interest in this community. ... We’re not just here bell-to-bell teaching kids. We care about our families. Our ultimate goal is to save a life. If we can save one life, it was all worth it.”

In all, 20 local organizations, including Akron Children’s Hospital, the Struthers Fire Department and PANDA will make presentations about health and safety. Nohra noted that he is constantly reminded of AT&T’s presentation from last year.

“I have two sons in the district,” Nohra said. “There was a presentation on texting while driving, and what texting does. My son, to this day, will still say, ‘Daddy, stay away from your phone.’ He remembers that from the safety fair. It really is for everyone.”

The Medivac helicopter, weather permitting, is set to land on the football field at 5:30 p.m., followed by the appearances of fire engines, police cruisers and “BEAR,” the SWAT vehicle. Other entertainment includes face-painting and the Aut Mori Grotto clowns.

Businesses and organizations that have donated to the effort through monetary, giveaway or gift-card contributions are Arby’s, Belleria Pizza, Campbell Hardware, Chasen’ Perfection Nail Gallery, Cemax, The Elmton, Ernie’s Barber Shop, Holiday Bowl, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Pizza Joe’s, Rick’s Detailing, Sam’s Club and Steel Valley Fitness.